Touring Motorcycles
1987Moto Guzzi V 1000 California III
19 fields on record
The 1987 Moto Guzzi V 1000 California III is a classic touring cruiser designed for riders seeking comfortable long-distance travel with distinctive character. Its air-cooled V-twin engine delivers reliable midrange power, while the shaft-drive transmission and well-appointed chassis make it ideal for highway cruising. Known for its Italian styling and smooth, manageable performance, this bike appeals to experienced riders valuing tradition and practicality over raw speed.
- Capacity
- 948.0 ccm
- Engine
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Wet weight
- 290.0 kg
- Seat height
- Not on record
Know it? Add it → - Power
- 67.0 HP (49.3 kW) @ 6500 RPM
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Built for relaxed long-distance cruising and highway touring rather than outright speed or sport riding.
- Built for
- A stately, traditional Italian cruiser-tourer with old-school shaft-drive charm, air-cooled V-twin character, and unhurried performance.
- Not ideal for
- Not a good fit for riders seeking sharp cornering agility, high top speed, or any off-road capability.
Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.
Engine
- Capacity
- 948.0 ccm
- Power
- 67.0 HP (49.3 kW) @ 6500 RPM
- Engine type
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.2310 HP/kg (wet)
- Bore x stroke
- 88.0 x 78.0 mm
- Compression
- 9.2:1
- Cooling system
- Air
- Valves per cylinder
- 2
- Torque
- Not on record - add it
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Shaft
Performance
- Top speed
- 164.0 km/h (101.9 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Dual disc
- Rear brakes
- Single disc
- Front tyre
- 110/90-18
- Rear tyre
- 120/90-18
Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
What changed, year to year
Differences highlighted| Specification | 1987 | 1988 | 1989 | 1990 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 948 cc | 948 cc | 948 cc | 948 cc |
| Fuel capacity | 26 L | 26 L | 26 L | 26 L |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Moto Guzzi V 1000 California III?
The 1987 Moto Guzzi V 1000 California III has a Capacity of 948.0 ccm (57.85 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Moto Guzzi V 1000 California III have?
The 1987 Moto Guzzi V 1000 California III has a Power of 67.0 HP (49.3 kW) @ 6500 RPM.
How many gears does the Moto Guzzi V 1000 California III have?
The 1987 Moto Guzzi V 1000 California III has a Gearbox of 5-speed.
How much does the Moto Guzzi V 1000 California III weigh?
The 1987 Moto Guzzi V 1000 California III has a Wet weight of 290.0 kg (639.3 pounds).
Shop this bike
Affiliate linksWe may earn a commission from qualifying eBay or Amazon purchases made through these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Please log in or register if you'd like to leave a comment.
Own one? Add it to My Garage and write an owner review with an Owner badge.